Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
I chuckled. “Looks like it will take some getting used to for her as well.”
Fifty-One
Octavia
There is something so magical about weddings.
I realize that’s a cliché thing to say, but it’s true. When the wedding is your only sister’s wedding, that makes it even more enchanting.
It’s interesting seeing everything come together after so many months of stressing and planning. From the color scheme to the florals, the wedding dress, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and even the flower girl.
No stone was left unturned. Davina’s wedding planner had made sure of that and had done an incredible job.
We had twenty minutes to go before the wedding started, and I was working on the final touches for our flower girl. Her ponytail was drooping. I didn’t have any curlers on me, so I decided to roll her pony into a bun and pin it with bobby pins.
“Am I pretty, Tava?” Aleesa asked when I finally rose from my squat.
I was surprised I had managed squatting in my dress. It was beautiful—burnt orange and silky—but it hugged me at every single curve, and it didn’t help that the bra I wore had push-up support so powerful it made my breasts look like double D’s. Don’t get me wrong, the dress was sexy as hell and I loved dressing nicely, but even I had my limits.
“You are so pretty, my love. And smart, kind, and brave.” I gave her chin a squeeze. “I’m going to take you to Auntie Cat so you can hang out with her, okay?”
“’Kay.” She grinned and reached for my hand. I held her tiny hand in mine and left the preparation room.
Cat was already standing in the lobby, waiting, wearing an emerald green dress and gold heels. Her eye shadow was green, too, and her dark-brown hair was in tight coils.
“There’s my little monster!” Cat said.
Aleesa squealed and ran to her aunt. While she did, I took a peek out the door to where the wedding would commence, and the area was packed. Nearly every seat was filled. I spotted Naomi in a pale-yellow dress, walking to one of the seats, with her sister trailing behind her.
“Good grief,” I muttered. “So many people.”
“Yep. It’s filling up fast,” Cat said. “Everyone’s ready to see those two seal the deal.”
“I know it’s only one hundred and fifty people, but it looks like way more than that.”
Cat laughed. “This vineyard was an amazing pick. Seriously, the view behind the altar? I’m not really into the whole massive wedding ceremony thing, but I can see why brides go crazy over stuff like this.”
“Well, let’s hope my sister is still not going crazy and is still in sound mind.” I laughed. “I’m going to find her. Text me if you need me.”
“Go ahead. Tía’s got this.” Cat winked before turning with Aleesa and asking about her flower basket.
I breezed through the hallways, spotting through the windows a few guests walking toward the entrance. For some reason, my nerves were just as heightened as I’m sure Davina’s were. This was a big deal for my sister. This was her second wedding, and I knew she had a lot of emotions about it.
I reached the bride’s quarters and gave the door a knock.
The sound of heels clicking on the floor moved closer, and then the door cracked open.
“Password,” my mother said, one eyeball practically poking through the opening.
“Mama, please.” I laughed. “We don’t have time for this. The yard is filling up.”
“It is?” I heard Davina ask in a high-pitched voice.
Mama opened the door just wide enough for me to slip through. She was being so extra about this, I swear. She refused to let anyone but us see Davina before the wedding. Especially the groom. Deke and his groomsmen were on the other side of the damn building.
The only other people in the bride’s quarters were the photographer and Davina’s best friend, Tisha.
“Tavia, my nerves are all over the place,” Davina said, facing me.
“I told her she needs to try and relax.” Tisha stood right next to my sister and adjusted one of the curly tendrils in front of her face.
I’d seen Davina in her dress before, but now she was in the full ensemble, and it took me a moment to drink it in. Her hair was styled in side bangs, with the remainder coifed at the back of her head and loose tendrils on the sides. Some of the tendrils draped in front of her face as well, and a maroon flower pendant was attached to the side. It was messy yet elegant, and I loved the hairstyle on her.
Her makeup was flawless, with gold tones, her lips painted a deep wine red. I had to blink a few times to adjust to her flawless state.
“Octavia?” Davina called, eyes widening.
“Sorry,” I said, rushing to her. “I’m just transfixed, girl. You look so good!”